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Abstract

Background: There is paucity of knowledge regarding the spectrum of neurothrombectomy(NT) device-related complications.

Objective: To report the characteristics and proportions of reported adverse-events(AE) related to NT devices used in endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods: We identified NT device-related AE reported by voluntary sources, user facility reports, and distributor and manufacturer reports to the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience Database(MAUDE) from the year 2004 through 2012 to identify patients. Frequency of specific reported AE and associated factors were extracted from the “event description” on the three NT devices currently in use for AIS treatment -Merci Retriever, Penumbra System, and Solitaire-FR stentriever.

Results: A total of 706 reported NT device-related AEs were identified with a continual increase in reporting rate since 2004. Of the 706, device malfunction (kink, twist, difficult advancing, fracture, or retention) was the most common reported complication(56%), followed by hemorrhages(23%), dissection(6.8%), vasospasm(6.2%), and distal embolism(2.7%). Intra-arterial(IA) thrombolytic was used in 70%(111/159), intravenous(IV) thrombolytic in 16%, and both IA and IV in 13% of the reported cases. Middle cerebral artery(MCA) was involved in 56%(220/392), internal carotid artery(ICA) in 16 %, and both MCA and ICA in about 21% of cases where the occluded vessel was reported. Multiple devices were used in majority(71%) of reported cases(n=564). The first “pass”(recanalization-attempt) was associated with 34% of reported adverse event per-device(n= 119), 2-passes(29%), and 3-passes(28%). Recanalization was complete in 52 %(266/513) reported cases, and partial in 14%(71/513). Patients’ condition was unchanged in 63%(220/349), worsened in 29%(101/349), and improved in 8%(28/349) of reported cases. Twenty three percent(77/342) mortality was reported among those patients whose final outcome was known and reported.

Conclusions: Reports of NT device-related AE have significantly increased over the last 8 years. Proportionally higher-rates of reported device malfunction do not necessarily represent adverse patient outcomes.